Varlamore Part 2 OSRS: The Rising Darkness – Everything You Need to Know

Varlamore Part 2 OSRS: The Rising Darkness – Everything You Need to Know


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) continues to captivate players with its massive content updates, and Varlamore Part 2, titled “The Rising Darkness,” is no exception. Released on September 25, 2024, this expansion builds on the foundation laid by Varlamore Part 1, introducing new areas, quests, a group boss, and exciting skilling activities. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a mid-level player looking to explore the Shining Kingdom further, this blog post dives deep into everything Varlamore Part 2 has to offer. From the Hueycoatl boss fight to the serene island of Aldarin, we’ve got you covered with tips, rewards, and more to optimize your OSRS experience.

The Rising Darkness expands the Varlamore map, bringing two distinct regions that enrich the kingdom’s lore and gameplay. These areas not only provide stunning visuals but also house unique challenges and opportunities.

The Darkfrost Mountains

Nestled among snowy peaks, the Darkfrost (formerly known as Coatlpetl by the Old Ones) is a rugged, inhospitable mountain range north of Civitas illa Fortis. This area introduces the Hueycoatl, a serpentine group boss that promises thrilling PvM action. The stark contrast of icy terrain and ancient ruins makes it a visually striking addition to Varlamore.

Aldarin: The Luxurious Island

On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Aldarin, a lush, vineyard-laden island bursting with summer vibes. This idyllic locale is home to a new Herblore activity, offering a peaceful yet rewarding skilling experience. Aldarin’s vibrant scenery and detailed world-building, complete with puffins and capybaras, make it a standout feature of Part 2.

Quests in Varlamore: The Rising Darkness

Varlamore Part 2 delivers a mix of storyline-driven and surprise quests, continuing the tradition of immersive storytelling that OSRS fans adore. These quests deepen the lore of the Shining Kingdom while offering tangible rewards.

Twilight’s Ruin

This intermediate-level quest picks up where “Twilight’s Promise” left off, requiring completion of “Children of the Sun” and its predecessor. Players join the Twilight Emissaries to unravel mysteries surrounding the Proudspire and Twilight Temple, facing off against shadowy forces. The quest rewards include experience lamps and access to new areas, making it a must-do for lore enthusiasts.

Surprise Quests: A Delightful Addition

Following the success of “The Ribbiting Tale of a Lily Pad Labour Dispute” from Part 1, Jagex has included additional unpolled surprise quests in The Rising Darkness. These smaller, dialogue-heavy quests focus on world-building, featuring quirky characters and unexpected twists. While specific details remain under wraps until you play, expect rewards like cosmetic items and minor XP boosts.

The Hueycoatl: Varlamore’s New Group Boss

For PvM enthusiasts, the Hueycoatl stands as the crown jewel of Varlamore Part 2. This ancient serpent, coiled within the Darkfrost Mountains, offers a dynamic group boss encounter that scales with player numbers, making it accessible solo or with friends.

How to Fight the Hueycoatl

The battle begins with players ascending the mountain, chopping through the Hueycoatl’s protruding body parts while dodging environmental hazards like falling rocks and icy gusts. Protection prayers are essential here, as the serpent’s attacks hit hard. Upon reaching the summit, the real fight unfolds:

  • Phase 1: The Hueycoatl uses its tail to shield itself, requiring players to break its defenses with melee or ranged attacks.
  • Phase 2: The serpent unleashes draconic breath, countered by dragonbane weaponry like the Dragon Hunter Crossbow or Lance.
  • Phase 3: A multi-pronged assault with tail slams and AoE attacks tests your positioning and prayer-flicking skills.

Hueycoatl Rewards

Defeating the Hueycoatl yields a variety of loot, balancing accessibility for mid-tier players with aspirational rewards for veterans. Here’s a breakdown in a handy table:

Reward Type Description
Draconic Scale Tradeable Crafting material for new ranged armor with +8 Prayer bonus.
Hueycoatl Tail Untradeable Upgrades the Duelling Wand for dragonbane damage.
Gold Hoard Tradeable High-value alchable drop inspired by dwarven legends.

The boss’s draconic classification makes dragonbane weapons highly effective, adding strategic depth to gear choices.

Herblore Activity on Aldarin

Aldarin’s Herblore activity introduces a fresh take on potion-making, focusing on alchemy over traditional XP grinding. Designed for players with 70+ Herblore (though lower levels can participate), it’s a chill yet rewarding addition to Varlamore Part 2.

How the Herblore Activity Works

After completing a short introductory quest, players assist Varlamorian alchemists by breaking down herbs into base alchemical elements—Light, Air, and Matter (LAM)—using a Refiner (formerly the Herb Mill). These elements are then combined to fulfill potion orders, bypassing secondary ingredients entirely. Bring your own herbs or unfinished potions to maximize efficiency.

Herblore Activity Rewards

The activity offers a point-based reward system, redeemable for unique items that enhance your Herblore gameplay:

  • Potion Packs: Contain potions based on your LAM components, perfect for stockpiling supplies.
  • Potion of Goading: Aggroes non-aggressive enemies in a 9×9 radius—great for Slayer or tanking.
  • Reagents Pouch: Stores up to 30 secondary ingredients, streamlining potion-making outside the activity.
  • Alchemist’s Set: Cosmetic gear with a 10% chance to save secondaries when mixing potions.
  • Amulet of Chemistry (i): Boosts 4-dose potion chances to 15%, chargeable with standard amulets.

While XP rates are moderate, the focus on utility rewards makes this a valuable side hustle for Ironmen and casual players alike.

Tips to Master Varlamore Part 2

To make the most of The Rising Darkness, preparation and strategy are key. Here’s how to optimize your adventure:

Gearing Up for the Hueycoatl

Bring dragonbane weapons like the Dragon Hunter Lance or Crossbow, paired with high prayer bonus gear (e.g., Proselyte armor). Stock up on prayer potions and food—sharks or better—for the summit showdown. If grouping, coordinate roles: one tank, one DPS, and a prayer buffer.

Maximizing Herblore Profits

Gather high-level herbs like Ranarr or Snapdragon before heading to Aldarin. Use the Grand Exchange to sell excess Potion Packs, as their value fluctuates with demand. Pair the Reagents Pouch with a Herb Sack for ultimate inventory efficiency.

Questing Efficiently

Complete “Children of the Sun” and “Twilight’s Promise” beforehand to unlock Twilight’s Ruin without delays. Bring teleports (e.g., Civitas illa Fortis spell) to hop between Varlamore hubs quickly. Explore Aldarin’s surprise quests at a leisurely pace for maximum enjoyment.

Conclusion: Varlamore Part 2: The Rising Darkness elevates OSRS with its blend of PvM excitement, skilling innovation, and rich storytelling. Whether you’re scaling the Darkfrost to slay the Hueycoatl or brewing potions on Aldarin’s sunny shores, this update offers something for everyone. Dive in, explore the Shining Kingdom’s latest chapter, and let us know your favorite part in the comments below! Stay tuned for Varlamore: The Final Dawn in 2025, promising even more adventures.